What a difference a DAC makes...

[boudy]

I recently added a Citypulse DA2.03e II to my main system. I was expecting some level improvement, but wow, I am blown away. There is a major improvement in definition and strength of the bass, and a significant improvement in overall clarity.

Before adding the DAC, my system consisted of:

SB3 (digital out) to DEQ2496 (analog out) to Music Angel 845 tube amp (modified).

Present configuration:

SB3 (digital out) to DEQ2496 (digital out) to Citypulse DAC to MA 845.

I'm using the DEQ2496 for room correction and to help me tune my DIY speakers. I originally found the analog output of the DEQ2496 to be at least as good as the SB3's analog output.

Speakers consist of 8" full range Fostex 206ESR drivers in BIB's (horns that load into the ceiling - they are huge!). I really dig these speakers, they fill the whole house with great sound, and they produce plenty deep clean bass.

I went with the Citypulse because I want a remote volume control and because of its excellent reputation.

[NoFlyZone]

I just upgraded the DAC to the KE series as well as the latest low noise opamp inside my SB3. Having done this as well as using the Welborne power supply (very nice kit!) has yielded amazing results. I am curious though to hear an external DAC such as Benchmarks or the Citypulse you're using. What made you decide on this flavor DAC? Had you tried modding your SB3?

[boudy]

... since I have the DEQ2496 digital equalizer in the path. I'm already using a linear supply.

I modify tube amps and through hole circuits all the time, but modifying the SB3 looks daunting due to those tiny SMD leads. I'll have to practice first on a junk board.

[NoFlyZone]

Daunting? You got that right. I had help and all went well. Now I'm looking to upgrade the caps. My audiophile friend hung a 1000uf cap off the DAC +VDD and wants to do the same to other areas of this board. I'm a little more conservative so I may add some HQ 47uf caps in key areas.

Still I wish to compare the internal upgrades to an external DAC.

[Gadget]

Please excuse by lack of electronic knowledge, but when I see postings relating to swapping capacitors, it raises 2 questions in my mind

1) Does it really make a difference to the sound, or is the person who made the change kidding themselves that the change was effected due to the effort applied (I know I have over convinced myself on many so called "upgrades").
2) Presumably these capacitors are not very expensive (please correct me if I am wrong), therefore if they are better, why were they not fitted to the SB3 in the first place. I'm sure people would pay an extra £5-10 if the quality was greatly improved

[moley6knipe]

(pulls up chair, opens beer and sits back to enjoy the fight...)

[Mr_Sukebe]

If you can, try removing the DEQ from your system.
I did use a DEQ for a while as my old lounge benefitted from the room correction. However, in my new room, it caused more problems than it solved. So it's clearly room dependant regarding benefits, but be aware that it's certainly NOT non intrusive.

[slimkid]

I recently added a Citypulse DA2.03e II to my main system. I was expecting some level improvement, but wow, I am blown away. There is a major improvement in definition and strength of the bass, and a significant improvement in overall clarity.

Before adding the DAC, my system consisted of:

SB3 (digital out) to DEQ2496 (analog out) to Music Angel 845 tube amp (modified).

Present configuration:

SB3 (digital out) to DEQ2496 (digital out) to Citypulse DAC to MA 845.

I'm using the DEQ2496 for room correction and to help me tune my DIY speakers. I originally found the analog output of the DEQ2496 to be at least as good as the SB3's analog output.

Speakers consist of 8" full range Fostex 206ESR drivers in BIB's (horns that load into the ceiling - they are huge!). I really dig these speakers, they fill the whole house with great sound, and they produce plenty deep clean bass.

I went with the Citypulse because I want a remote volume control and because of its excellent reputation.

Hi,

would you care to do a blind test SB3 analog out vs. Citypulse? Could you describe the differences. I have a similar DAC and I'm curious abut your opinion.

thks,

K.

[boudy]

...to get to, I don't have the time or desire to do proper blind tests and I really don't want to keep reconfiguring my system.

[GuyDebord]

Please excuse by lack of electronic knowledge, but when I see postings relating to swapping capacitors, it raises 2 questions in my mind

1) Does it really make a difference to the sound, or is the person who made the change kidding themselves that the change was effected due to the effort applied (I know I have over convinced myself on many so called "upgrades").
2) Presumably these capacitors are not very expensive (please correct me if I am wrong), therefore if they are better, why were they not fitted to the SB3 in the first place. I'm sure people would pay an extra £5-10 if the quality was greatly improved

I totally support your argument, however I have another question for the crowd and Boudy. Are the proper blind tests you refer to, unconscious or are you conscious when youre blinded?